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Studying both men, I tried to imagine if that would have happened. They were attractive. Clearly, I mean, Brody was an ex bed buddy. But when I tried to envision an actual relationship, there was nothing. No spark. No real attraction other than appreciation for their surface features. That was every Fennin though.
It would never have worked out the way they wanted.
“My parents were breathing down my neck. Without Isolde, I wouldn’t bring you into the bonds. That bitch would only abuse you.”
“And kill off one of three unlikely chances to unseat the general. Right?” Shadow quirked a brow.
I straightened. The general was the leader of the true Shadow Society, wasn’t it? I thought I’d heard that somewhere.
Was that Sliad? Had he been the leader right under our noses the whole time?
Brody grinned, a bit of sadness crowding in at the edges of his expression. “You’re more than just a means to an end, Bean.”
“Don’t call me that,” he snapped.
“Sorry,” he raised his hands. “Shadow.”
When Shadow stepped back, the wound was a faint line. Not the killing blow he was before. “One good thing came of this. When she attacked you, it severed the bond.”
Brody’s gaze glazed over. “Good. And she doesn’t suspect either.”
Shadow shrugged and threw away the bloody clothes surrounding Brody. “It’s not well known. We only know because I prefer books to people.”
They shared a low chuckle.
* * *
The room reappeared, and all the Mannos were blinking rapidly. Had we all shared a vision together?
I glanced at Rand and Yunez who were also coming out of their own sight haze. “Did you all see that?”
“We saw something,” Rand murmured.
“The so called war the Fiasla Mannos were trying to wage is over. The general is dead.” Shadow motioned to Sliad’s body. “Fiasla Mannos, back through the portal. As the new head of your house, I command it.” He had so much control and confidence oozing through his pores that no one questioned it. I almost went through the portal.
Men opened it up, then in pairs, they disappeared. More than a few of them seemed relieved, like this wasn’t a fight they had wanted in the first place. There were a couple that sneered at Shadow as they passed, but Shadow raised a brow. With that single action he let them know he’d deal with them later.
Brody motioned to some of the Mannos, maybe men who had always been on his side? And they picked up the Mazza and her mates, carrying them through. I didn’t think they were all dead, but I didn’t want to look too closely.
All the Mannos were through the portal except for Brody and Shadow. It was like this was an insane plot twist that no one saw coming and we were frozen to our seats waiting for the final shoe to drop.
“There will be much clean up to do in the Fiasla realm. For the pain and damage they have caused, I apologize.” Shadow bowed his head as his words traveled loud and clear. “When you are ready, we will meet and discuss the path forward for our futures. I will await your call.” That was the end of his pretty speech, but he wasn’t yet done.
When he raised his head, he speared Theon with a hardened gaze. “However, there is one debt I demand today. Theon, son of Aamori, and next in line to lead the Janer people, you have committed many grievous acts against me and mine. I demand your head, and that of your right hand man, Travon of the Iron Guard.”
Gasps and hushed whispers rose through the small crowd.
“Like hell,” Theon spit, his hackles raising as he was figuratively and literally backed in a corner. “Aamori no longer runs this realm. Her integrity has been compromised and the people will not stand for it. To demand my death is an act of war.” He glanced around, but whatever support he thought he’d get didn’t come.
Instead, people stepped away from him like he was the walking embodiment of the clap.
“Ah yes, let’s talk about acts of war.” Shadow nodded like this was an excellent idea he wished he’d thought of. He was serious, yet I could have sworn this was his own version of dry humor. I almost laughed. Thank the gods, I didn’t. “Good people of Fennina, Theon has been planning this event for quite some time. The Mazza and the General of the Shadow Society found their way to you quite easily today because Theon invited them in. He did plan to take over his mother’s seat, and he planned to take out any opposition with the fight here today. I don’t believe I need to express what a terrible idea that was and all the ways it could have backfired.” Shadow dropped his hands to his sides. The relaxed state of his body showing he felt no threat by the rising tension in the room.
Aamori, back in the corner, her beautiful hair a mess and dirt and grime streaking her clothes, pressed her fingers against her lips as she stared at Theon with glistening eyes. From what I knew of her, she would have hated to show this kind of emotion to this many people. She’d also hate that her son was her enemy.
But that was where she was, and she seemed at a loss of how to react.
“If I may,” Yunez called, raising one hand to Shadow, keeping his gaze locked on Aamori. “Our people believe in a fair trial. His mind must be searched and evidence brought against him. Of which I have no doubt the people can produce,” he said as he cut his gaze at a shaking Theon. “But we must follow our process. Aamori. Allow me this favor. My Mannos will detain him. We will conduct the investigation. If he is found guilty, he will die by our hand, and not yours.”
